Goa: Despite the fact that five suspected cases of the Omicron Covid strain have been detected in Goa, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has requested the media not to spread fear, while also urging the state's 1.20 lakh citizens who have not yet received the second vaccination to do so.

"Referring to them as Omicron suspects should not cause alarm in the state. I'm keeping a close eye on the situation "Sawant remarked. Covid with Omicron-like symptoms has been detected in five sailors, including Russian and Georgian nationals. They have been onboard a cargo ship that left South Africa and is now docked in Goa's Mormugao Port Trust since November 18.

Four of the five seamen are being held in quarantine at a government-designated facility, while the fifth is being held in isolation on the anchored warship. Their samples were sent to a facility in Pune for genetic sequencing. Sawant also advised the 1.20 lakh Goans who are yet to receive their second Covid vaccine dosage to do so.

"We must take precautions, but we must avoid creating panic situations. The second dose has not been taken by 1.20 lakh Goans. That is something they should take. By December 19, we hope to declare Goa a fully immunised state. This is our goal, and everyone should work with us to achieve it. Before (Prime Minister) Narendra Modi reaches in Goa, take the second dose "he said.

Karnataka Schools likely to shut again amid Omicron threat

Researchers warn of common symptoms of omicron infection

Omicron threat: Booster dose will come soon: Ajit Pawar